Peter Obi Defends Cardinal Onaiyekan, Asks Tinubu To Accept Criticism
The Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, and former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has criticised attacks on Cardinal John Onaiyekan and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, asking the Federal Government to respond to concerns raised by religious leaders rather than attacking them.
The Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, and former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has criticised attacks on Cardinal John Onaiyekan and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, asking the Federal Government to respond to concerns raised by religious leaders rather than attacking them.
Obi spoke in a statement on Wednesday against the backdrop of the recent exchange between the Presidency and the Catholic Church over their comments on Nigeria’s socio-economic and security situation.
The former governor noted that the country’s socio- economic challenges continued to multiply adding that leaders should be willing to accept constructive criticisms from respected institutions.
His words, “The painful reality is that Nigeria’s challenges continue to deepen. Each passing day reveals deeper signs of decline, especially when a government becomes increasingly intolerant of truth and hostile to those who speak about the suffering of the people.
“The Catholic Church has never functioned as an opposition party in Nigeria.
Obi spoke in a statement on Wednesday against the backdrop of the recent exchange between the Presidency and the Catholic Church over their comments on Nigeria’s socio-economic and security situation.
The former governor noted that the country’s socio- economic challenges continued to multiply adding that leaders should be willing to accept constructive criticisms from respected institutions.
His words, “The painful reality is that Nigeria’s challenges continue to deepen. Each passing day reveals deeper signs of decline, especially when a government becomes increasingly intolerant of truth and hostile to those who speak about the suffering of the people.
“The Catholic Church has never functioned as an opposition party in Nigeria.
"Across military regimes and successive democratic administrations, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has maintained a principled voice on national issues and the nation’s conscience, commending governments when they deserved commendation and speaking the truth whenever national conscience demanded it.
“As Governor, I had the opportunity of working with a very strong Council of Traditional Rulers, led by the Obi of Onitsha, and religious bodies that consistently criticised me and offered suggestions. This contributed greatly to our success in Anambra State, especially in critical areas like education and health.
“Rather than address these concerns or explain the measures in place to ameliorate them, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s aides and supporters responded with vicious attacks, particularly against Cardinal John Onaiyekan, with little regard for his age, stature, and accomplishments.
“The bishops merely expressed what millions of Nigerians experience daily: insecurity has worsened, poverty is deepening, inflation is crippling families, businesses are struggling, and hope is fading.
“The proper response was to thoughtfully address the issues raised, not attack those who raised them. When respected figures like Cardinal Onaiyekan are vilified for speaking the truth, the message sent to citizens is that silence is safer than honesty. No democracy can flourish under such a culture.
“Good governance depends on truth. When governments punish truth-tellers and reward sycophants with appointments, honest advisers withdraw, sycophancy thrives, and leaders become disconnected from reality. This is our situation today.”
“Good governance depends on truth. When governments punish truth-tellers and reward sycophants with appointments, honest advisers withdraw, sycophancy thrives, and leaders become disconnected from reality. This is our situation today.”
He maintained that the Catholic bishops did not insult the President but simply reflected the concerns of ordinary Nigerians.
The former Anambra State governor further defended the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, saying it has maintained an independent position on national issues regardless of which government is in power.
Obi added that other religious organisations, including the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, and the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, have also expressed concerns over insecurity, inflation, unemployment and the rising cost of living.
According to him, religious leaders are speaking based on the realities faced by Nigerians and should not be dismissed because of their opinions.
He also expressed concern over the criticism directed at Cardinal Onaiyekan, noting that respected clerics have historically spoken on national issues without being subjected to personal attacks.
Describing Onaiyekan as one of Africa’s most respected Catholic leaders, Obi said the issues raised by the bishops affect every Nigerian, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
he stated.
Obi then, asked religious leaders to continue speaking on issues affecting the country, saying they have a moral responsibility to stand with the people, just as he equally urged those close to the President to offer sincere advice instead of shielding him from the realities facing Nigerians.
The former Anambra State governor further defended the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, saying it has maintained an independent position on national issues regardless of which government is in power.
Obi added that other religious organisations, including the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, and the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, have also expressed concerns over insecurity, inflation, unemployment and the rising cost of living.
According to him, religious leaders are speaking based on the realities faced by Nigerians and should not be dismissed because of their opinions.
He also expressed concern over the criticism directed at Cardinal Onaiyekan, noting that respected clerics have historically spoken on national issues without being subjected to personal attacks.
Describing Onaiyekan as one of Africa’s most respected Catholic leaders, Obi said the issues raised by the bishops affect every Nigerian, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
he stated.
Obi then, asked religious leaders to continue speaking on issues affecting the country, saying they have a moral responsibility to stand with the people, just as he equally urged those close to the President to offer sincere advice instead of shielding him from the realities facing Nigerians.
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